Rochester police panel hopefuls debate issues

ROCHESTER — All nine candidates for three seats on the Police Commission debated the issues Wednesday night.

For the first time, the seats will be chosen by wards as opposed to at-large, and commissioners will serve for 2-year terms instead of for 6 years.

The candidates agreed they want to look at police response time and the priority call system, and how to alter it so when people have to wait for an officer they are told why.

Only about a dozen people turned out for the debate, which consisted of opening statements, two different questions for each ward, and closing statements. Police Chief David Dubois and mayoral candidate David Walker were in attendance.

The debate was moderated by Gerry Gilbert, an insurance agent with Spence & Matthews. VFW Post 1772 hosted the event, which was also sponsored by the Lady's Auxiliary and Metrocast.

Running for the Ward 1 and 2 seat are Terry Desjardins, James F. McManus Jr., and Clifford Newton. Candidates were asked how to retain experienced officers.

Desjardins said she has faith in the new merit pay contract, and that it will create longevity, saying "we need more experienced officers."

McManus stressed that police morale needs to be kept up, which may take frequent meetings with the commission or higher-ups in the department. McManus also said when officers leave the "why" is important.

Newton agreed the new contract will work to boost police morale. He believes that police need to have better communication with residents.